Flies in the kitchen can turn mealtime into frustration. Among the most annoying are fruit flies, which seem to appear the moment fresh produce hits the counter. Warm weather makes the problem worse, but these pests can show up anytime. The good news is that a simple pantry staple—apple cider vinegar—can help put an end to the invasion.

This method doesn’t require chemicals or fancy gadgets. Instead, it uses a natural lure that fruit flies can’t resist. Here’s how it works and what you can do to stop these insects from taking over your home.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Attracts Flies

Apple cider vinegar has a fermented sweetness that signals food to flies. The scent mimics ripening or decaying fruit, which makes it an irresistible target for them. By using this to your advantage, you can turn vinegar into a natural bait.

Once flies approach the mixture, the trap ensures they don’t escape. It’s a safe, affordable, and effective way to handle the problem without resorting to harsh sprays.

How to Make a DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

Instagram | @pasturedkitchen | You can make an easy vinegar trap at home to stop fruit flies from spreading in the kitchen.

Creating a trap at home only takes a few minutes and a couple of everyday items.

You’ll need:

½ cup of apple cider vinegar
A few drops of dish soap
Optional: plastic wrap and a toothpick

Steps to prepare:

1. Pour vinegar into a shallow bowl or jar.
2. Add dish soap. This breaks the surface tension, so flies sink instead of floating.
3. For an added layer of control, cover the container with plastic wrap and poke small holes. The flies will enter but can’t easily leave.

Set the trap in problem spots like near the sink, fruit bowls, garbage bins, or compost containers. For heavier infestations, use multiple traps around the kitchen. Replace the vinegar daily to keep the scent strong.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

To make the trap as effective as possible, consistency is key.

1. Place fresh traps daily in areas where flies gather most.
2. Use more than one trap if the infestation covers multiple spots.
3. Keep vinegar uncovered or refreshed often so the scent remains potent.

These small adjustments help reduce the number of flies quickly.

How to Prevent Flies from Returning

While vinegar traps solve the immediate problem, prevention is what keeps flies from coming back. Eliminating food sources and breeding areas is the most effective strategy.

Simple habits go a long way:

1. Take out food waste daily.
2. Rinse garbage disposals with dish soap and hot water.
3. Wipe down counters and clean up spills right away.
4. Store fruit in the refrigerator instead of leaving it out.
5. Pour boiling water or a mix of vinegar and baking soda into drains to disrupt hidden breeding spots.

These steps make the kitchen less attractive to flies and reduce the chances of another wave appearing.

When to Call a Professional

Freepik | gzorgz | An inspection camera helps detect hidden breeding spots when fruit fly problems go beyond simple kitchen traps.

Sometimes, even the best home remedies aren’t enough. If traps don’t reduce the fly population within a week, there may be a hidden nest in a drain or garbage disposal. In these cases, calling a pest control service or cleaning professional is the next step. They can find the source, eliminate it, and stop flies from returning.

Flies are persistent, but controlling them doesn’t have to be complicated. Apple cider vinegar is a reliable, natural remedy that draws them in and prevents them from spreading throughout your kitchen. Paired with regular cleaning and proper food storage, this simple hack can keep your space clear of unwanted pests.

And if the problem continues, professional help ensures the issue is handled for good.